Galileo, the European global satellite navigation system, is ready to be used.

With 18 Galileo satellites in orbit, supporting ground infrastructure, and after an extensive testing period, Galileo Initial Services are now available for public authorities, businesses and citizens. From now on, users around the world can be guided using the positioning, navigation and timing information provided by Galileo’s global satellite constellation.

The Declaration of Galileo Initial Services by the European Commission is the first step towards reaching Full Operational Capability. The Initial Services offered by Galileo include the Open Service, the Public Regulated Service (PRS) and the Search and Rescue Service (SAR). The full and complete portfolio of Galileo services will be available by 2020, when the satellite constellation and ground infrastructure are complete.

Galileo Initial Services are a result of cooperation between the European Commission, European GNSS Agency (GSA), and European Space Agency (ESA).

This video explains what made these initial services possible. It includes an animation showing where these services will be available and an interview with Paul Verhoef, Director of Navigation Programmes at ESA.